The Birdsongs Project

by Ellynne Rey

Released 2019

Released 2019

Vocalist-led session of adventurous and inventive arrangements of standards and originals. All songs feature great NYC musicians and the thematic album is centered around birds. There is something for everyone.

The Birdsongs Project exists because vocalist Ellynne Rey, a birdwatcher, wanted to pay musical tribute to birds. Snowy Owls inspired the opening track (an original song composed by Rey, who had photographed a number of these gorgeous birds, one of nature's marvels, in the winter of 2018). Other originals include a quirky vocalese composed by Rey over the changes of How High The Moon (Bluejay & Cat) and a set of English lyrics written for Franz Schubert's die Krahe (The Crow).

Teaming up again with pianist/engineer extraordinaire, Bennett Paster (who also co-produced the recording), Ellynne Rey presents twelve songs around a bird theme. There is an eclectic selection of songs on this recording, and the arrangements are quite remarkable.These were created by Ellynne and Bennett. Some of NYC's most in demand musicians are featured on these sessions, who brought their talents, hearts, and ideas to the project. It's a delightful collection of songs, and not what you might expect from a vocalist.

This is a creative and fun album! Definitely one for your jazz vocal collection.

The Birdsongs Project was recorded in Brooklyn at Benny's Wash 'n' Dry studio and mastered by Paul Wickliffe at Skyline in Warren, NJ.